An explosion was heard over Dubai International Airport on Saturday, followed by a cloud of smoke in the air, a witness told AFP, as Iran pressed attacks across the Gulf region.
Data from the flight-tracking website Flightradar24 showed aircraft circling above the airport in an apparent holding pattern shortly after the incident.
Limited flight operations later resumed from Dubai’s main airport on Monday despite daily drone attacks on targets across the United Arab Emirates. The airport is the world’s busiest hub for international passenger traffic.
The Dubai Media Office described the incident in a post on X as “a minor incident resulting from the fall of debris after an interception,” while also dismissing circulating reports suggesting direct damage to the airport.
Authorities earlier confirmed that four staff members were injured and part of a concourse sustained damage during the incident last Saturday, as fighting escalated following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran.
Officials from Dubai Airports said the situation had been “quickly contained,” though they did not provide further details.
Iranian attacks have reportedly targeted several locations across the UAE, including Abu Dhabi International Airport, the upscale Palm Jumeirah development, and the iconic Burj Al Arab luxury hotel.
In a separate incident earlier this week, falling drone debris also caused a fire at the U.S. Consulate Dubai.
What you should know
Dubai International Airport is one of the most critical aviation hubs globally, handling tens of millions of international passengers each year.
Any disruption there can have significant ripple effects on global travel.
The recent incidents come amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region following military strikes on Iran and a series of retaliatory attacks targeting infrastructure across the United Arab Emirates.
